“Don’t lie”: Bezugla lashed out at Fedienko during the debate on the Cyber Forces bill
30 April 11:57
A conflict broke out in the Verkhovna Rada between MPs Mariana Bezuhla and Oleksandr Fedienko during a discussion of amendments to a bill on the creation of the Armed Forces’ Cyber Forces. Bezuhla accused her colleague of lying, approached the podium, and attempted to interrupt his speech. A video of the incident from the session hall was published by MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk intervened in the situation, urging the MP to adhere to the rules of procedure.
What happened in the Verkhovna Rada
During Oleksandr Fedienko’s speech, Mariana Bezuhla approached the podium and began reacting emotionally to his words. The MP accused her colleague of making false statements and tried to prevent him from continuing his speech.
According to reports from parliament, Bezuhla also tried to take the sheet with the text of Fedienko’s speech. Her remarks directed at the MP echoed through the chamber.
“Don’t lie. You put up a nice facade, but there’s nothing behind it. Why are you lying?” Bezuhla declared during the argument.
Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk urged the lawmaker to return to her seat and not interrupt her colleague’s speech. He later called such behavior “shameful” and added one minute to Fedienko’s speaking time.
What caused the dispute
The conflict arose during a discussion of a bill on the creation of the Armed Forces’ Cyber Forces. Fedienko claimed that Bezuhla was effectively blocking the bill’s passage by submitting a large number of amendments to it.
It was these very words that provoked a sharp reaction from the lawmaker. She denied the accusations and claimed that Fedienko was misleading parliament.
It was previously reported that disputes had already arisen over the bill on the Cyber Forces. In March, Fedienko stated that consideration of the document was being delayed due to a large number of amendments.
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How Bezuhla Explained Her Behavior
After the conflict, Mariana Bezuhla acknowledged that, from the perspective of parliamentary rules, she had behaved inappropriately. She stated that lawmakers should not interrupt each other’s speeches.
“I want to apologize because I did not behave entirely correctly in accordance with the rules of procedure. We should not interrupt our colleagues’ speeches,” said Bezuhla.
At the same time, she emphasized that she is not opposed to the very idea of creating a Cyber Force. According to her, her concerns relate to the management model and the risks of abuse within the Armed Forces.
“I am not against the creation of cyber forces, but I am against establishing a new headquarters under Syrsky during a full-scale war that will carry out his whims,” the lawmaker stated.
What is Bill No. 12349
Bill No. 12349 “On the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine” was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on December 19, 2024. The document falls under the sphere of security and defense and provides for the creation of a separate branch of forces within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The bill’s goal is to establish a military and technical organizational structure in accordance with NATO standards, which will be responsible for Ukraine’s cyber defense and the protection of the state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in cyberspace.
The bill stipulates that the Cyber Forces are to become a separate military command within the Armed Forces. Their tasks will include protecting the state in the digital environment, countering cyberattacks, conducting cyber operations, and coordinating cyber defense.
Key areas include:
- protection of critical infrastructure;
- cyber protection of state systems;
- planning and conducting cyber operations;
- coordination with other security sector agencies;
- engaging IT specialists in defense tasks.
The bill also provides for the possibility of enlisting cyber reservists—civilian IT specialists who can assist in carrying out defense tasks without necessarily acquiring the status of military personnel.
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